If you need help

If you need help making your claim, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0345 600 0723 or text phone 0345 600 0743 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Make sure you ask the person on the helpline to call you back so you don't have to pay for the call. It's particularly important to do this if you're making your claim by phone, as this can take up to 40 minutes.

If you qualify for Universal Credit:

the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) will pay it monthly into your chosen bank account

if you get help with your rent, this will be included in your monthly payment You are responsible for paying your rent to your landlord

if you live with your partner and you both qualify, you’ll get one monthly joint payment

it will take several weeks after you make your claim to get your first payment